I've seen references to Black Oil Sunflower Seeds as a feed supplement for goats, but when I saw then advertised here, they were for bird seed. Would they be the same? Are they fed in the shell? Thanks, Jan

-- Jan in CO (Janice12@aol.com), January 09, 2002

Answers

Yes, they are the same. You can get them in 25 or 50 lb. bags at alot of farm stores, or Walmart. We are getting them right now at Quality Farm and Fleet, who while going out of business is having a good sale on them. We normally got them for $11 for 50lb., not on sale. Somewhat higher at Walmart, but not much. The goats LOVE them. I just mix it in their regular feed. Excellent feed, and makes their coats look wonderful.

-- Kim Bailey (bailey@hilly-acre.com), January 09, 2002.

We get them in 50 pound sacks for 8$ from Tractor Supply, they can be as high as 15$ at the feed stores. Yes you feed them shell and all, good protein, 14% a good amount of fat since they are oil, and the scratch factor from the shell is excellent fiber. Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), January 09, 2002.

We purchase 50# sacks of BOSS from our feed store. The more we buy, the better the price. And it is more expensive at Walmart in this area too. As Vicki mentioned, it's a great source of fiber. Their coats are shinier. We grow sunflowers plants for the goats too. I think the variety is "mammoth". At the end of the growing season, we cut down the entire plant and toss it in the pen. First they eat the head, then the leaves, then they work on the stem. My does love it!

-- Charleen in WNY (harperhill@eznet.net), January 10, 2002.

Great! Thanks, everyone for the info. I'd asked at the feed store, and they looked at me like I was from Mars, telling me they had never heard of feeding those to goats. Glad it is the same, and I'll get some and try them out. Jan

-- Jan in CO (Janice12@aol.com), January 10, 2002.